The Slovenian men's national team continued its preparation for the upcoming World Championship in the Philippines (September 12–28) with a new friendly match against the Japanese club Osaka Blazers Sakai. Head coach Fabio Soli's team was once again convincing, winning 3:0 (21, 21, 16), and also prevailed in the additional fourth set – 25:16. This was announced by the Slovenian federation.
This was their second friendly match on Japanese soil, and the Slovenians showed readiness and good form on the eve of their third participation in the World Finals. They debuted in 2018, and in 2022 recorded a historic 4th place.
Slovenia is already in Manila, where they will play their final friendly matches against Iran and Argentina before the official start on September 13 against Chile in Group E, which also includes Bulgaria and Germany.
Head coach Soli will rely on the following 14 players:
Setters: Grega Ropret, Nejc Najdic
Opposites: Tonček Štern, Nik Mujanović
Middle Blockers: Alen Pajenk, Jan Kozamernik, Sašo Štalekar, Janž Kržič
Outside Hitters: Tine Urnaut, Žiga Štern, Rok Bračko, Luka Marovt
Liberos: Jani Kovačič, Grega Okroglič
